Get Off-road driving Guide for Land Rover Defender 90 SUV First Generation (1990-2016)

173

This section of the handbook is devoted to

your vehicle’s superb off-road driving

capabilities.

Before venturing off-road however, it is

absolutely essential that inexperienced

drivers become fully familiar with the vehicle’s

controls, in particular the transfer gearbox,

and also study the off-road driving techniques

described on the following pages.

SECTION 8

Off-road driving

Section Contents Page

Basic off-road techniques 175........................

Driving on soft surfaces & dry sand 179........

Driving on slippery surfaces 180....................

Driving on rough tracks 180...........................

Climbing steep slopes 181..............................

Descending steep slopes 182.........................

Traversing a slope 183...................................

Negotiating a ’V’ shaped gully 183..................

Driving in existing wheel tracks 183...............

Crossing a ridge 183......................................

Crossing a ditch 183.......................................

Wading 184....................................................

174

Off-road driving

175

WARNING

Off-road driving can be hazardous!

• DO NOT take unnecessary risks.

• Be prepared for emergencies at all

times.

• Familiarise yourself with the

recommended driving techniques in

order to minimise risks to yourself, your

vehicle AND your passengers.

• Always use a seat belt for personal

protection in all off-road driving

conditions.

• DO NOT drive if the fuel level is low -

undulating ground and steep inclines

could cause fuel starvation to the

engine.

• Driving off-road with a loaded roof rack

is not recommended. If it is necessary to

stow luggage on the roof-rack while

driving off-road, all loads MUST be

removed before traversing side slopes.

BASIC OFF-ROAD TECHNIQUES

These basic driving techniques are an

introduction to the art of off-road driving and

do not necessarily provide the information

needed to successfully cope with every single

off-road situation.

We strongly recommend that owners who

intend to drive off-road frequently, should

seek as much additional information and

practical experience as possible.

Gear selection

Correct gear selection is possibly the single

most important factor for safe and successful

off-road driving. While only experience will tell

you which is the correct gear for any section

of ground, the following basic rules apply:

1. NEVER change gear or de-clutch while

negotiating difficult terrain - the drag on

the wheels may cause the vehicle to stop

when the clutch is depressed and

restarting may be difficult.

2. Generally, and especially where slippery or

soft ground conditions prevail, the higher

the gear you select the better.

3. When descending very steep slopes

always select 1st gear in LOW range.

Inexperienced drivers are advised to stop the

vehicle and carefully consider which gear will

be most appropriate for each manoeuvre

before continuing.

Slipping the clutch

Use of excessive clutch slip to prevent the

engine stalling will result in premature clutch

wear. Always select a gear low enough to

enable the vehicle to proceed without the need

to slip the clutch.

DO NOT drive with your foot resting on the

clutch pedal; driving across uneven terrain

could cause you to inadvertently depress the

clutch, resulting in loss of control of the

vehicle.

Off-road driving

176

Transfer gears

High range gears should be used whenever

possible - only change to low range when

ground conditions become very difficult. The

DIFF LOCK should be engaged whenever there

is a risk of losing wheel grip, and disengaged

as soon as firm, level, non-slippery ground is

reached.

Braking

As far as possible, vehicle speed should be

controlled through correct gear selection.

Application of the brake pedal should be kept

to an absolute minimum. Unless ABS is fitted,

any braking on wet, muddy or loose surfaces

is likely to cause one or more wheels to lock -

the resultant slide could prove dangerous.

NOTE: If the correct gear has been selected,

braking will be largely unnecessary.

Use of engine for braking

Before descending steep slopes, stop the

vehicle at least a length before the descent,

select neutral in the main gearbox, engage

LOW range and then select first or second

gear depending on the severity of the incline.

While descending the slope it should be

remembered that the engine will provide

sufficient braking effort to control the rate of

descent, and that the brakes should not be

applied.

Accelerating

Use the accelerator with care - unless Traction

control is fitted, any sudden surge of power

may induce wheel spin and result in loss of

control of the vehicle.

Steering

WARNING

DO NOT hold the steering wheel with your

thumbs inside the rim - a sudden ’kick’ of

the wheel as the vehicle negotiates a rut or

boulder could seriously injure them.

ALWAYS grip the wheel on the outside of the

rim (as shown) when traversing uneven

ground.

Survey the ground before driving

Before negotiating difficult terrain, it is wise to

carry out a preliminary survey on foot. This

will minimise the risk of your vehicle getting

into difficulty through a previously unnoticed

hazard.

Off-road driving

177

Ground clearance

Don’t forget to allow for ground clearance

beneath the chassis, axles, and under the

front and rear bumpers. Note that the axle

differentials are situated BELOW the chassis

and are positioned slightly to the RIGHT of the

centre of the vehicle. Note also that there are

other parts of the vehicle which may come

into contact with the ground; take care not to

ground the vehicle.

Ground clearance is particularly important at

the bottom of steep a slope, or where wheel

ruts are unusually deep and where sudden

changes in the slope of the ground are

experienced.

On soft ground the axle differentials will clear

their own path in all but the most difficult

conditions. However, on frozen, rocky or hard

ground, hard contact between the differentials

and the ground will generally result in the

vehicle coming to a sudden stop.

Always attempt to avoid obstacles that may

foul the chassis or axle differentials.

Loss of traction

On vehicles not fitted with Traction control, if

the vehicle is immobile due to loss of wheel

grip, the following hints could be of value:

• Avoid prolonged wheel spin; this will make

matters worse.

• Remove obstacles rather than forcing the

vehicle across them.

• Clear clogged tyre treads.

• Reverse as far as possible, then attempt

an increased speed approach - additional

momentum may overcome the obstacle.

• Brushwood, sacking or any similar

material placed in front of the tyres will

improve tyre grip.

Off-road driving

178

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

After driving off-road

Before rejoining the public highway, or

driving at speeds above 40 km/h (25

mph), consideration should be given to

the following:

• Wheels and tyres must be cleaned of

mud and inspected for damage -

ensure there are no lumps or bulges

in the tyres or exposure of the ply or

cord structure.

• Brake discs and calipers should be

examined and any stones or grit that

may affect braking efficiency

removed.

Servicing requirements

Vehicles operating in arduous conditions,

particularly on dusty, muddy, or wet

terrain, and vehicles undergoing frequent

or deep wading conditions will require

more frequent servicing. See ’Owner

maintenance’ and contact a Land Rover

dealer for advice.

In addition:

After wading in salt water or driving on

sandy beaches, use a hose to thoroughly

wash the underbody components and any

exposed body panels with fresh water.

This will help to protect the vehicle’s

cosmetic appearance.

Off-road driving

179

DRIVING ON SOFT SURFACES & DRY SAND

The ideal technique for driving on soft ground

and dry sand, requires the vehicle to be kept

moving at all times - soft ground and sand

causes excessive drag on the wheels,

resulting in a rapid loss of motion once

driving momentum is lost. For this reason,

gear changing should be avoided.

• Engage the DIFF LOCK.

• Select the highest suitable gear and

REMAIN in that gear until a firm surface is

reached. It is generally advisable to use

LOW range gears, as these will enable you

to accelerate through worsening

conditions without the risk of being unable

to restart.

• Disengage the DIFF LOCK as soon as firm

ground is reached.

Stopping the vehicle on soft ground, in sand

or on an incline

If you do stop your vehicle, remember:

Starting on an incline or in soft ground or

sand is almost impossible. Always park on a

firm level area, or with the vehicle facing

downhill.

On vehicles not fitted with Traction control, to

avoid wheel spin, select second or third gear,

and use the MINIMUM throttle necessary to

get the vehicle moving.

If forward motion is lost, avoid excessive use

of the throttle - on vehicles not fitted with

Traction control, this will cause wheel spin

and tend to dig the vehicle into the sand. Clear

sand from around the tyres and ensure that

the chassis and axles are not bearing on the

sand before again attempting to move.

If the wheels have sunk, use an air bag lifting

device or high lift jack to raise the vehicle, and

then build up sand under the wheels so that

the vehicle is again on level ground. If a

restart is still not possible, place sand mats or

ladders beneath the wheels.

Off-road driving

180

DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES

(ice, snow, mud, wet grass)

• With the DIFF LOCK engaged, select the

highest gear possible.

• Drive away using the MINIMUM possible

throttle opening.

• Drive slowly at all times, keeping braking

to a minimum and avoiding violent

movements of the steering wheel.

• Disengage the DIFF LOCK as soon as a

non slippery surface is reached.

DRIVING ON ROUGH TRACKS

Although rough tracks can sometimes be

negotiated in normal drive, it is advisable to

lock the differential if excessive suspension

movement is likely to induce wheel spin.

On very rough tracks, engage LOW range to

enable a steady, low speed to be maintained

without constant use of the brake and clutch

pedals.

Always disengage the DIFF LOCK when

smooth, firm ground is reached.

Off-road driving

181

CLIMBING STEEP SLOPES

Engage the DIFF LOCK and ALWAYS follow

the fall line of the slope - travelling diagonally

could encourage the vehicle to slide broadside

down the slope.

Steep climbs will usually require the LOW gear

range. If the surface is loose or slippery, use

sufficient speed in the highest practical gear

to take advantage of the vehicle’s momentum.

However, too high a speed over a bumpy

surface may result in a wheel lifting, causing

vehicles not fitted with Traction control to lose

traction. In this case try a slower approach.

Traction can also be improved by easing off

the accelerator just before loss of forward

motion.

If the vehicle is unable to complete a climb, do

not attempt to turn it around while on the

slope. Instead, adopt the following procedure

to reverse downhill to the foot of the slope:

1. Hold the vehicle stationary using both foot

and hand brakes.

2. Restart the engine if necessary.

3. Engage reverse gear LOW range.

4. Release the handbrake. Then release the

foot brake and clutch simultaneously, and

allow the vehicle to reverse down the

slope using engine braking to control the

rate of descent.

5. Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle

in order to negotiate obstructions, DO NOT

apply the brake or clutch pedal during the

descent.

6. If the vehicle begins to slide, accelerate

slightly to allow the tyres to regain grip.

When the vehicle is back on level ground or

where traction can be regained, a faster

approach will probably enable the hill to be

climbed. However, DO NOT take unnecessary

risks, if the hill is too difficult to climb, find an

alternative route.

WARNING

The engine must be restarted before

reversing down the slope, as there will be

no servo assistance to the brakes unless the

engine is running.

Off-road driving

182

DESCENDING STEEP SLOPES

A. Stop the vehicle at least a vehicle length

before the slope and engage first gear

LOW range with the differential locked.

B. Unless it is necessary to stop the vehicle

in order to negotiate obstructions, DO NOT

touch the brake or clutch pedals during

the descent - the engine will limit the

speed, keeping the vehicle under control

provided the front wheels are turning. If

the vehicle begins to slide, accelerate

gently to maintain directional stability - DO

NOT use the brakes or attempt to change

gear.

C. Once level ground is reached, unlock the

differential and select a suitable gear for

the next stage of your journey.

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions may

cause the vehicle to roll over.

Off-road driving

183

TRAVERSING A SLOPE

Before crossing a slope, ALWAYS observe the

following precautions:

• Check that the ground is firm and not

slippery.

• Check that the wheels on the downhill side

of the vehicle are not likely to drop into

any depressions in the ground and that the

’uphill’ wheels will not run over rocks, tree

roots, or similar obstacles that could

suddenly increase the angle of tilt.

• Ensure that passenger weight is evenly

distributed, that all roof rack luggage is

removed and that all other luggage is

properly secured and stowed as low as

possible. Always remember; any sudden

movement of the load could cause the

vehicle to overturn.

• Rear seat passengers should sit on the

uphill side of the vehicle or, in extreme

conditions, should vacate the vehicle until

the sloping ground has been safely

negotiated.

NEGOTIATING A ’V’ SHAPED GULLY

Observe extreme caution! Steering up either

of the gully walls could cause the side of the

vehicle to be trapped against the opposite

gully wall.

DRIVING IN EXISTING WHEEL TRACKS

As far as possible allow the vehicle to steer

itself along the bottom of the ruts. However,

always keep a light hold of the steering wheel

to prevent it from spinning free.

Particularly in wet conditions, if the steering

wheel is allowed to spin free, the vehicle may

appear to be driving straight ahead in the ruts,

but in actual fact (due to the lack of traction

caused by the wet ground) is unknowingly on

full right or left lock. Then, when level ground

is reached, or if a dry patch is encountered,

the wheels will find traction and cause the

vehicle to suddenly veer to left or right.

CROSSING A RIDGE

Approach at right angles so that both front

wheels and then both rear wheels cross the

ridge together - an angled approach could

cause traction to be lost (if Traction control is

not fitted) through diagonally opposite wheels

lifting from the ground at the same time.

CROSSING A DITCH

With the DIFF LOCK engaged, cross ditches at

an angle so that three wheels always maintain

contact with the ground (if approached head

on, both front wheels will drop into the ditch

together, possibly resulting in the chassis and

front bumper being trapped on opposite sides

of the ditch).

Off-road driving

184

WADING

WARNING

The maximum advisable wading depth is

0,5 metre (20 in. ).

Severe electrical damage may occur if the

vehicle remains stationary for any length of

time when the water level is above the door

sills.

If the water is likely to exceed 0,5 metre (20

in.) while the vehicle is moving, the following

precautions MUST be observed:

• Fix a plastic sheet in front of the radiator

grille to prevent water from soaking the

engine and mud from blocking the

radiator.

• Fit a drain plug to the flywheel housing

and diesel engine timing cover - Tdi

engines only (see ’Owner maintenance’).

• Ensure that the silt bed beneath the water

is firm enough to support the vehicle’s

weight and provide sufficient traction.

• Ensure that the engine air intake is clear of

the water.

• To prevent saturation of the electrical

system and air intake, avoid excessive

engine speed.

• With the DIFF LOCK engaged, select a low

gear and maintain sufficient throttle to

prevent the engine from stalling. This is

particularly important if the exhaust pipe is

under water.

• Drive slowly into the water and accelerate

to a speed which causes a bow wave to

form; then maintain that speed.

At all times, keep all the doors fully closed.

After wading

• Drive the vehicle a short distance and

apply the foot brake to check that the

brakes are fully effective.

• DO NOT rely on the handbrake to hold the

vehicle stationary until the transmission

has thoroughly dried out; in the meantime,

leave the vehicle parked in gear.

• Remove the timing cover drain plug

(where fitted) and also any covering

material from the front of the radiator

grille.

• If the water was particularly muddy,

remove any blockages (mud and leaves)

from the radiator to reduce the risk of

overheating.

• If deep water is regularly negotiated, check

transmission oils for signs of water

contamination - contaminated oil can be

identified through its ’milky’ appearance.

In addition, check the air filter element for

water ingress, and replace if wet.

• Vehicles required to undergo frequent or

deep wading conditions will require more

frequent servicing. See ’Owner

maintenance’ and contact a Land Rover

dealer for advice.

• If salt water is frequently negotiated,

thoroughly wash the underbody

components and exposed body panels,

with fresh water.

Off-road driving for Your Land Rover Defender 90 SUV First Generation (1990-2016)

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